Vancouver Canucks' centre Pavol Demitra will be sidelined 3-4 weeks after an MRI discovered fractured cartilage in his ribs.
Demitra, who signed with the Canucks as a free agent this summer, is expected to see a specialist on Friday to deal with the injury.
Kyle Wellwood is expected to take Demitra's place in the lineup.
This season, Demitra has scored two goals and added one assist for three points in six games.
The Canucks host the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday at GM Place.